Trimedyne licenses diagnostic tech for heart burn laser:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Trimedyne has licensed for use with its investigational laser system for treating heartburn a diagnostic device that can indicate to doctors when the treatment has been carried out sufficiently. Following an exclusive agreement with the Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois, the company has acquired a device called hydrostat, which measures the resistance - ie opening pressure - of the oesophagus' sphincter valve. Trimedyne is developing a small laser and disposable fibre optic device that shrinks the lower oesophagus and tightens the sphincter, thereby increasing its resistance and preventing stomach acid from entering the oesophagus where it causes heartburn. The hydrostat device shows the physician when the sphincter has been sufficiently tightened, explained the Irvine, California firm. Trimedyne's laser procedure is expected to be performed through a flexible endoscope on an outpatient basis.